What if players can’t afford the £5,000 cost to train at a National Academy?

We are aware that £5,000 is still a significant cost to prospective players and parents. To recognise this, the LTA will continue to invest in Tennis First (who amongst other things award grants based on financial circumstances) to ensure that players can apply for support through an independent charity.

Can we still apply if we can’t commit to offer mainstream schooling for all players?

Access to mainstream schooling (and a partnership with local school) is a key part of our approach to the development of the person as well as the performer. It is our expectation that all players, until the age of 16, will attend a mainstream school. However, we recognise that the delivery of this will vary and it is possible that flexible options may need to be considered to deliver this element. This may include online education & resources to support mainstream schooling.

Will players who train at a centre where a National Academy is based be able to train with National Academy players?

This will not be a formal benefit for the wider programme where a National Academy is based. Therefore there should be no expectation from players or parents that this will happen. However, it is probable that from time to time the wider player base may be used to provide sparring for the National Academy programme. This will be coordinated between the Head Coach of the National Academy and the Director of Tennis (or their equivalent) on a needs basis.

When applying for National Academy status, why are we constrained to building a budget for only 8 players in year one?

In order to create a focused and defined budget we have asked for the application to include a year 1 budget for 8 players only. Should player numbers vary the investment will be reviewed and considered in line with the scalable five year forecast model presented within the Budget Template – this will be subject to review and affordability.

Who will have access to the salary information in the National Academy model?

What should be included in staff on-costs?

Examples of staff on-costs include employer’s national insurance contributions, employer’s pension contributions, and any direct contractual costs of the role such as work to home travel allowance. Any non-staff/operation budget should be included within the operation breakdown and not linked to a staff role.

Will there be access players at National Academies?

No. Players who are selected and choose to attend National Academies will be expected to commit to the volume and frequency of training required for players at this age and stage. This means players can't attend on an access basis and shouldn’t be accounted for in the budget template. Players (of any age) may from time to time be invited to provide enhanced sparring but this will be solely on a needs basis.

Why is there such a delay to get National Academies up and running?

National Academies will be world-class pro style training environments and therefore it will be a large undertaking to build the required infrastructure. This will include (amongst other things) recruiting staff, developing selection policies, selecting players and preparing operationally for the launch. This will take time and it is unrealistic to think that the successful applicants will be ready to open in September 2018. To then fall in line with the academic year, we expect National Academies can come online in September 2019. If however the academy is ready to go before this date then there is potential for the National Academy to start earlier in agreement with the LTA.

If we receive National Academy status, do all coaches need to be working within this ‘National Academy programme’ or can they continue to work in other aspects of the wider programme that we already deliver at our centre?

We expect coaching staff to be committed to delivering the National Academy programme and this is likely to be full time. However, there may be exceptions to this and if the applicant wishes to propose a model where coaches work across two programmes then they should outline it in their submission. It is likely that this element will then be discussed and scrutinised if the applicant is shortlisted. Ultimately, the LTA panel will need to be confident that the coaching model can ensure the centre can meet the objectives of the programme.